Megan Swift stories, Page 9
Chainsaw sandwich experience coming to Sheetz in Seven Fields
For one day only, customers will have the chance to get their Sheetz Made-to-Order sandwiches sliced in half with a chainsaw — yes, a real chainsaw. The horror film-esque sandwiches are part of a collaboration with the nonalcoholic beverage brand Liquid Death called the “Sheetz x Liquid Death Chainsaw-Sliced Sandwich...
Cava Mediterranean restaurant to open in Oakland, East Liberty
A new taste of Greece is coming to Pittsburgh later this summer in the form of the popular Mediterranean chain Cava. Two locations of Cava will open this year, restaurant officials said. An Oakland location will open later this summer at 3619 Forbes Ave. Another location will open later this...
Women vie for skillet toss champion at Scottdale Ice Cream Festival
For Kelsey Casoni, throwing a skillet is similar to pitching a softball. On Sunday, she took home her fourth first-place ribbon during the Ladies Skillet Toss at the Ice Cream Summer Fun Festival in Scottdale — and she just started competing two years ago. Casoni, 35, of Hecla, has been...
Anti-Trump protesters make ‘Good Trouble’ in front of the Westmoreland County Courthouse
Though Bob Schaefer was among a crowd of rally-goers Saturday in front of the Westmoreland County Courthouse in Greensburg, his white cleric’s collar made him stand out — signaling his role as a pastor. It was the fourth rally in front of the courthouse organized by Abby Graham-Pardus, chairperson of...
Oakdale man faces over 50 dog neglect, cruelty charges
An Oakdale man who is facing more than 50 charges of neglect and cruelty involving dogs was taken into custody, officials announced Saturday. Joshua Michael Humes, 36, was charged by North Fayette Township Police earlier this week, Allegheny County Sheriff Kevin M. Kraus said in a news release. The arrest...
Starbucks makes secret menu official
For the first time, Starbucks is acknowledging its secret menu. Though countless “secret menu” items at Starbucks have been circulating online and on social media for years, this week, the coffee giant made the secret menu official. Starbucks Rewards members can now order the top drink customizations, including twists on...
Flash flood warnings are being issued in W.Pa. at their fastest rate in 20 years
Western Pennsylvania has been awash in flash flood warnings this year. The National Weather Service has issued 112 such warnings so far in 2025, Alicia Miller, hydrologist at the weather service in Moon, said Thursday. That’s more than the past three years combined and more than any year since 2003....
Flash flood warnings are being issued in W.Pa. at their fastest rate in 20 years
Western Pennsylvania has been awash in flash flood warnings this year. The National Weather Service has issued 112 such warnings so far in 2025, Alicia Miller, hydrologist at the weather service in Moon, said Thursday. That’s more than the past three years combined and more than any year since 2003....
Mattel launches new Barbie with Type 1 diabetes
Barbie’s latest look includes a glucose monitor — Mattel’s newest doll is living with Type 1 diabetes. Mattel, Inc. said this week in the announcement that the new Barbie, which is part of the Barbie Fashionistas line, will enable more kids to see themselves reflected in Barbie, as well as...
Furries at Anthrocon raise over $89K for McDonald-based cat rescue
Sandi Eaton had long admired Anthrocon from a distance — but this year, she got to experience the furry convention up close and benefit from it firsthand. As the director of the McDonald-based Nose 2 Tail Cat Rescue, which was the official charity of this year’s Anthrocon, she witnessed the...
Chuck E. Cheese launches adult arcade locations
The Chuck E. Cheese family entertainment chain is rebranding as a new arcade for adults. Titled “Chuck’s Arcade,” the new iteration features nostalgic games and current favorites, alongside its animatronic characters, with the hope of attracting more teens and adults. Games will include retro favorites like Ms. Pac-Man, Mortal Kombat...
Here are some Amazon Prime Day deals for the week
Break out those credit cards — Amazon Prime Day has returned. The longest Prime Day to date, sales begin Tuesday and last through 11:59 p.m. Friday. This year marks the 11th Prime Day, and historically, Amazon has dropped deals on popular products like Apple AirPods, Dyson cordless vacuums, the Laneige...
Furries return to Pittsburgh for 19th Anthrocon
It’s that time of year — the furries are back in Pittsburgh for Anthrocon. And this July, there’s going to be more attendees than ever before, at over 19,000. Anthrocon is the annual furry convention at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center that attracts thousands of people who don animal...
Livvy Dunne shells out $2,850 for Paul Skenes rookie card
Livvy Dunne recently snagged one of boyfriend Paul Skenes’ rare rookie cards — shelling out $2,850 for the Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher’s collectible, Sports Illustrated reported. A video of the price negotiation was posted on Topps’ social media account on X. Livvy Dunne just bought a rare Paul Skenes rookie card...
Mechanical pickle ride to debut at Picklesburgh
Think you’ve conquered the mechanical bull? Try taking a ride on a bucking, brined cucumber. A new attraction is coming to the 10th anniversary of Picklesburgh this month where people can put their riding skills to the test in pickle riding. Similar to a mechanical bull, the ride is a...
Great Allegheny Passage ranked among best sunset spots in U.S.
The Great Allegheny Passage has been named one of the best sunset spots in the United States. Running from Cumberland, Md. to Pittsburgh in the Appalachian Mountains and through the Laurel Highlands, the Great Allegheny Passage consists of 150 miles of biking and hiking trails. The Great Allegheny Passage was...
Kennywood and Penn Brewery launch beer collaboration
Kennywood fans can now crack open a cold beer with a splash of the park’s flavor. Penn Brewery announced a collaboration with the iconic West Mifflin amusement park for eight different beers based on popular rides, some of which still exist and some from times past. The announcement was made...
Child safety group warns of hot car dangers after spate of infant deaths
Five babies have died in hot cars across the United States over the past eight days, the advocacy group Kids and Car Safety noted as it asked people to be extra vigilant as the Fourth of July holiday weekend approaches. There’s an increase in vehicle-related tragedies involving children after holiday...
Is Zyn allowed on airplanes? Passengers aren’t sure
After a Delta passenger was told to spit out his tobacco-free nicotine Zyn pouch on his flight, people are confused about airline policy on the smokeless products. Under Transportation Security Administration regulation, travelers can bring nicotine pouches like Zyn on both carry-on and checked luggage, according to the media website...
‘It’s humongous’: World’s largest rubber duck amazes crowd at Idlewild park
When Katie Luttner and her two grandchildren approached the giant, bright yellow duck through the trees at Idlewild & SoakZone on Friday, they were in awe. “I’ve never seen it before, and I didn’t realize how huge it is,” she said. “(It’s) bigger than what I expected.” The “World’s Largest...
Shark attacks at Hilton Head Island leave 2 injured in a week
Two shark attacks were reported within a week in a popular Pittsburgher vacation spot — Hilton Head Island, S.C. The latest incident happened on Sunday around noon at Coligny Beach Park, People reported. The attack happened near a lifeguard and in front of the beach path. WRDW reported that the...
Tips to avoid dehydration in Western Pa.’s extreme heat
As temperatures hover around the 90s, health experts are stressing the importance of staying hydrated and taking precautions against the summer heat. Dr. Brent Rau, medical director for Allegheny Health Network’s Department of Emergency Medicine, said there’s no set amount of water to drink that will stop someone from becoming...
Friends by chance, they’re steady fixtures at Sandcastle — even amid the heat wave
More than an hour before Sandcastle Water Park opens in West Homestead, a tight-knit group of friends can be found waiting to claim lawn chairs by the pool. Chuck George became friends with Roseanne Fowler and Roseann Hill more than eight years ago after meeting them at the water park....
1.7 million window AC units recalled nationwide
With extreme heat plaguing Western Pennsylvania, window air conditioners are working overtime across the region. But residents should double check their model. Midea recently recalled about 1.7 million U and U+ window air conditioners nationwide for risk of mold exposure, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Included in...
At Home store in Pleasant Hills to close amid company bankruptcy
One of the Pittsburgh region’s four At Home stores is set to close amid the company’s bankruptcy, according to court filings. The Pleasant Hills store on Clairton Boulevard is one of 26 stores initially closing, the company said. No one answered the phone Tuesday, and a message seeking comment went...

